Tributes paid to Boyzone singer Stephen Gately

The boy band’s manager and X Factor judge, Louis Walsh, said he was “in complete shock” from the news.

He said: "We're all absolutely devastated. I'm in complete shock. He was a great man."


A spokesman for fellow Boyzone singer Ronan Keating said the star was "totally devastated" and was rushing back from the United States.

Former Taoiseach Bertie AhernBertie Ahern, whose daughter Georgina married to Nicky Byrne of the boyband Westlife, said: "It's so sad.

"Boyzone and Stephen, they've all been part of Irish life and far wider than that, the last 15 years, and so successful, so it's a huge, huge tragedy.

"He was 33 years of age, 15 years at the top, a fine musician, it's just a huge tragedy to Irish entertainment, Irish music and further afield as well."

Irish Arts Minister Martin Cullen said: "Stephen Gately was a gifted young man with a talent for singing which brought him tremendous success as a member of Boyzone and also as a West End star.

"There was a joy about his music making, and his death at such a young age is both a personal and professional loss."

Sir Elton JohnElton John said he and his partner David Furnish were shocked by the news

Sir Elton said: "David and I are stunned by this tragedy.

"Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul. We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere."

Presenter and music historian Paul Gambaccini said: "This wasn't supposed to happen. This was not in the script. Everyone is surprised as well as being demoralised.

"Stephen's band name had the term 'boy' in it and boys, which they were when they were popular in the 90s, aren't supposed to go this quickly."

He said the hugely successful band had a "special fraternity between them" and still had "everything to play for" before the singer's death.

Several other stars paid tribute to Gately on the micro-blogging website Twitter.

Actor Stephen Fry said: "Just heard the very sad news about dear Stephen Gately. What a dreadful shock. He was lovable and sweet-natured and will be hugely missed."

BBC Radio 1 presenter Fearne Cotton wrote: "What sad sudden news about Stephen Gately. Thoughts go out to his family and friends."

Singer Katherine Jenkins said: "So so sad 2hear the news about Stephen Gately. We had a really fun night out with him at the Ivy Club a few weeks ago. Good memories 2 cherish."